Fylde finding feet after nervy start says skipper

AFC Fylde captain Josh Langley admits that his side will have to adapt quickly to life in the National League as they look forward to their first away match at non-league football's elite level tonight.
Josh LangleyJosh Langley
Josh Langley

The Coasters don’t have far to travel, visiting a Chester side who are yet to kick a ball in anger this season after Saturday’s opener at Solihull Moors was controversially postponed.

While the Coasters were drawing their first game in the fifth tier of English football against Boreham Wood on Saturday, Chester were kicking their heels after Solihull called their fixture off 24 hours before kick-off due to safety issues.

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Five gave debuts to five summer signings in the Mill Farm draw and, like manager Dave Challinor, Langley had mixed feelings over Fylde’s opening-day display.

The defender was satisfied with the result but believes it was a wake-up call for the Coasters.

Langley said: “I think on the whole we were happy with the result because Boreham Wood are a good team. We looked a little nervy but we grew into the game.

“It was our first game at this level and it was at home, so there was a bit of pressure on us and I think it showed at times.

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“After doing so well last year, we knew it was going to be difficult to replicate that this season and I think we have found that out straight away.

“The two goals we conceded were very similar. Two crosses to the back post and their lads just wanted the ball more. But we will take the point and move on to the Chester game.”

Debutant Jonny Smith, who joined the Coasters on Friday from Bristol City, was the hero for Fylde, netting a stunning equaliser to earn a valuable point and Langley was impressed with the youngster, along with fellow substitute Henry Jones.

Langley (left) said: “Jonny had only trained with us once but the signs are very good from him and I definitely think he improves our squad.

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“Henry is a clever player but it was a tricky game and we couldn’t get him on the ball as much as we would have liked. However, they both made an impact when they came on and got us back into the game.”

Langley felt Fylde were harshly denied a chance to take all three points when Jones’ penalty claim was waved away, though the skipper is hopeful of a first three-point haul of the season this evening (7.45pm).

He added: “It’s another difficult game, as they all will be. There will be a decent crowd on and we are really looking forward to it but we are also looking for all three points.”